Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer but it doesn’t look like Arsenal will be able to sign Nico Williams this month, talkSPORT understands.
Financial constraints are creating significant challenges for the Gunners as Arteta seeks vital attacking reinforcements.
Williams‘ contract with Athletic Bilbao includes a hefty €60million (£49.8m) release clause, which the LaLiga side is expected to demand in its entirety.
Additionally, he is currently earning a substantial wage of £165,000 per week.
For him to make the leap to the Premier League, a considerable wage increase would be expected, presenting yet another hurdle for Arsenal.
The 22-year-old was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium last summer after playing a pivotal role in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.
With Gabriel Martinelli struggling for form, the Gunners turned their gaze toward Williams as a promising new left winger.
And they’re still interested, with his standout performances for Bilbao making him one of the most thrilling talents in his position on the global stage.
His performances for his current club Bilbao have made him one of the most exciting players in his position in world football.
This season, in 24 appearances, the winger has bagged two goals and provided five assists.
Arsenal’s need for reinforcements in attack hasn’t gone away, especially with Bukayo Saka sidelined until March due to a hamstring injury.
The financial implications of signing Williams this month suggest that a deal may be more feasible in the summer.
Introducing the game-changing threat of Williams would significantly bolster Arsenal’s hopes of keeping pace with Liverpool in the Premier League title race this season.
Rather than spending nearly £50 million on a single player, Arsenal may find themselves searching for alternative options that are less financially daunting.
Barcelona’s Dani Olmo is another potential target for Arsenal alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang In.
Although, Olmo is reportedly insistent on remaining at Camp Nou despite the fact Barca were unable to register him for the second half of the season.
He joined Bilbao’s youth academy in 2013 before joining the reserve team in 2020 and then being promoted to the first team a year later.
Williams is the younger brother of footballer Inaki Williams, who also plays for Bilbao.
Quickly gaining recognition for his pace and ball skills, Williams made his debut for Spain’s senior squad in 2022.
He was part of the teams that competed in the 2022 World Cup and the Euro 2024, scoring and being named man of the match in the win over England in the final.
Currently, Bilbao stand fourth in LaLiga, just seven points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Williams will next showcase his talent against Barcelona in a highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabiaon Wednesday evening.